Live Project Collaboration
The Brief
This project is part of the Live Studio module of the MArch programme and the Daigo Initiative at UWE. This year, we were tasked with developing a master planning proposal for the Abuko Nature Reserve in The Gambia.
The Daigo Partnership, formed in 2019, brings together UWE Bristol and the Daughters of Africa Foundation (DOAF) in a dynamic partnership providing a platform for education and skills development for African communities, as well as personal and professional development for students.
You can learn more about the Daigo programme here: Daigo
The Team
We are Studio6ix, a group of MArch students who have collaborated to create change in line with our three core principles: Inclusive Design, Sustainability, and Social Value. By working on live projects, we volunteer to establish a positive change. The students involved were Mandy Lim, Jos Searle, Eve Jones, Svilen Svilenov, Charles Teh, and Austin Danabal.
After formally joining Daigo, three more students from various departments also decided to join us. These students were Woon Bing Chang from MA Graphic Arts, Tallulah Orr from Wildlife Ecology Conservation and Charlotte Grafton (Lottie) from Integrated Wildlife Conservation. These collaborators significantly influenced the outcome of the project.
Collaboration (Skill and Knowledge Exchange)
For this project we worked with architecture students from The Gambia University of Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET), as well as the Graphic Arts and Conservation and Wildlife Students from UWE to create a holistic proposal for areas of improvement in Abuko Nature Reserve to promote eco-tourism.
In this collaboration, students from UWE and USET worked together to create a multi-phase masterplan to rejuvenate the declining Abuko Nature Park. The team, comprising of six Gambians, three international students, and one British student, found that workshops had to be adaptable and versatile to allow for various cultural, perspective, style, and experience differences.
As a team, we first assessed each other’s skillsets and preferences to ensure that everyone had equal opportunities to contribute and learn from one another. The local knowledge of the USET students proved invaluable to this project with the students preferring a more hands-on methods of work. Contrasting with UWE students favouring computer aided design technologies employing this to collect accurate data and map the park trails alongside creating branding packs and signage.
Proposals and execution
Key objectives of the project were as follows:
- Generate income and create employment opportunities.
- Rebrand to create a recognizable identity.
- Promote Abuko Nature Reserve to tourists and locals.
- Create a document to apply for fundraising opportunities.
- Provide a strategy for development.
- Create ecological and sustainable accommodation on-site.
Another key aspect identified at Abuko Nature Reserve was the entrance. Located by the main Brikama Highway, 10 minutes from Banjul International Airport, the entrance could prove key to attracting more visitors. Initially unrecognizable in its original condition, with no sense of destination, legibility, or demonstration of what was inside, the refurbished entrance has started to attract local attention and demonstrate the commitment to the reserve’s future ambitions.
It is regrettable that such beautiful place has fallen into disrepair due to financial, operational and resource constraints. The eco-tourism concept was proposed to address this with a new trend that requires minimal investment, is sustainable and could elevate the reserve to another level.
The first phase of the proposal focuses on immediate execution, including mural arts at the entrance, new indication maps, signage, zoning, and enhancements. Led by graphic design student, Woon Bing, collaborating with local artists to make the mural possible.
New logo and the refurbishments at Abuko Nature Reserve.
The second phase of the project introduced the eco-lodge program, a small-scale refurbishment of an existing abandoned structure. The proposal expects to house up to 40 tourists per day in 10 huts within three years. The existing structure will be refurbished into a kitchen area, with temporary tents proposed currently to reduce the budget.
The third phase shows all outputs produced feeding back into potential inputs, creating a self-sustaining system. Made possible by observing what locals already practice on similar small-scale activities within the reserve itself. If everything goes smoothly, we will witness the beginning of an eco-village where the reserve will have its own small-scale sustainable model, attracting tourists to experience the local culture.
In summary, the first phase will focus on immediate execution, the second phase on proposals for funding, and the third on establishing a self-sustaining system.
Funding
Educational materials were the first step we planned to secure funding. In collaboration with UWE conservation students, Charlotte and Tallulah, we can create knowledgeable material that could simultaneously benefit the students and attract funding from local schools.
TV programmes and advertising were also proposed during discussions, but unfortunately, they remain preliminary ideas yet to be implemented, as there might be a lot of work required to make them possible. Fortunately, we have local students who will carry on the work after we leave. This opens opportunities for future students; instead of collaborating only with architectural and environmental students, UWE can bring in business and marketing students to complete the proposal.
Our Experience
Throughout our journey as part of Studio6ix on the Abuko Nature Reserve project in The Gambia, we navigated a few hurdles but were rewarded with a rich, educational experience. It all began with foundational support from our facilitator Mian Ng, whose guidance was crucial from the start. However, securing funding to bring our entire team was challenging. Despite robust support and efforts from our tutors, CATE did not approve funding for the trip, affecting our ability to travel together. Thankfully, three of us received support through a separate bursary for international students, and our teammate Jos managed his arrangements independently.
Landing in The Gambia was like stepping into a warmly welcoming community. UWE alumni Mr. Famara Fatty and his colleague Mr. Alagie were instrumental in smoothing our transition into this new environment. They ensured we were well-prepared not only for the project but also helped us navigate the local scene.
Participating in Daigo 8 was the highlight of our trip. Initially focused solely on our architectural project, we quickly became absorbed by the broader initiatives and the vibrant community efforts underway. We realized the importance of contributing more holistically to the Daughters of Africa Foundation (DoAF) and the park itself.
Collaboration was at the heart of our experience, particularly with students from USET. These interactions underscored the disparities in resources that often separate students in various parts of the world. Many of our USET peers faced significant resource constraints, lacking even basic access to technology like laptops. This exchange was not only a lesson in architecture but also in resilience and innovation, highlighting the stark differences in academic environments across geographies.
This project was more than an academic assignment; it was a profound learning experience that broadened our perspectives and deepened our appreciation for global collaboration. We forged lasting friendships and professional connections that will support our future careers and personal growth. Special thanks to Ms. Pauline Bailey for her dedication and to all the students who joined us on this unforgettable journey. Their enthusiasm and commitment were key to the project’s success, demonstrating the power of collective effort and shared goals.
As we reflect on our time in The Gambia, we carry forward not only the skills and knowledge we gained but also the relationships and memories we created. This project was not just about building a sustainable future for the Abuko Nature Reserve; it was about building a small community of future-focused change-makers.
Written by: Austin Danabal